ENGINEERING
Future Outlook
The 140,000 lb transition structure is rotated in preparation for integration of the Haystack Ultrawideband Satellite Imaging Radar.
• A number of new space payload efforts are under way or recently begun. The Laboratory has significantly expanded its ability to develop these systems, with multiple teams working in parallel on different programs. Increasingly efficient execution of these efforts is attributed to the rapid dissemination of lessons learned from each program.
• A variety of efforts to further the underlying technology for mechanical and materials engineering are under way at the Laboratory. These include efforts to better understand the structural analysis and properties of bolted connections, to model solder and adhesive materials, and to develop a catalog of materials for electronics components, boards, and chassis with different coefficients of thermal expansion.
• The Laboratory is expanding the modernization of its fabrication and assembly equipment to include new infrastructure for environmental testing of mechanical systems as well as for assembly and testing of complex optical systems.
• The new analysis group will focus on performing insightful analysis to couple mission and design trade spaces, and provide design direction for all phases of a program in a timely way. The goal is to provide this capability to diverse classes of mechanical designs.
•Construction of a new rapid prototyping facility was completed. The co-location of engineering personnel, fabrication equipment, and integration and test areas enables the rapid development of new systems. The facility includes conventional machining equipment, an electronic assembly area, and a rapid fabrication equipment laboratory. The facility will support multiple Laboratory programs simultaneously.
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